The United States Department of Defense (Pentagon) issued a statement following the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israel.
The Pentagon reported that U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant twice yesterday regarding the events in Lebanon.
According to the statement, Austin told Gallant that he fully supports Israel's right to defend itself against "Iranian-backed terrorist groups." He also expressed that the U.S. is determined to prevent Iran and its Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict.
Austin added that the U.S. is postured to protect American forces and facilities in the region and remains committed to defending Israel.
Meanwhile, according to a statement released by the White House yesterday, U.S. President Joe Biden has directed the Pentagon to "assess and adjust as necessary" the posture of U.S. forces in the Middle East.
News Source: AA
